Folks from Western Massachusetts are among hundreds of Red Cross volunteers stationed along the route of the Boston Marathon, ready to mobilize "just in case" they are needed, according to Dawn Leaks, spokesperson for the Pioneer Valley chapter in Springfield.

Speaking from the Red Cross command center in Cambridge, Leaks said that about 400 medical volunteers – from EMTs on up – are staffing tents to tend to any needs the runners might have along the 26.2-mile route. Another 120 volunteers are positioned in disaster response tents "just in case something happens," she said.

Springfield husband-and-wife team Paul Jacobs and Ann-Haggerty-Jacobs, who are helping staff a mobile Red Cross kitchen behind Newton City Hall as part of the disaster team, were among local residents who woke in the pre-dawn hours to make the trip to Boston.

When reached by cell phone, Haggerty-Jacobs, who is stationed at mile 19, was barely audible as cheers erupted in the background. She said the security presence was high with armored cars, police motorcycles and bicycles.

"We're just standing by," she said. "We're watching the race and the people are cheering.

Leaks said the Red Cross is posting updates throughout the day via Twitter.

The American Red Cross has a 40-year-history with the Boston Marathon, she said. And this year the tradition is continuing with an even stronger presence.

In addition to the 400 EMT-level volunteers and disaster operations personnel, there are 30 mental health volunteers available to support anyone having emotional reactions, according to a Red Cross press release.

A race fan waves the American flag and a banner bearing the slogan "Boston Strong" as runners compete in the 118th Boston Marathon Monday, April 21, 2014 in Hopkinton, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)